Herbal Medicine

What are herbal supplements?

Herbal supplements are products made from plants for use in the treatment and management of disease and certain medical conditions.

Many prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications also are made from plant derivatives, but these products contain only purified ingredients and are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Herbal supplements may contain entire plants or plant parts; moreover, they are considered foods, not drugs, by the FDA and, therefore, are not subject to the same regulations as traditional medications.

Herbal supplements come in all forms: dried, chopped, powdered, capsule, or liquid, and can be used in various ways, including:

swallowed as pills

brewed as tea

applied to the skin as gels

added to bath water

The practice of using herbal supplements dates back thousands of years. Today, there is a resurgence in the use of herbal supplements among American consumers. However, herbal supplements are not for everyone. Because they are not subject to close scrutiny by the FDA, or other governing agencies, the use of herbal supplements remains controversial. It is best to consult your physician about any symptoms or conditions you are experiencing and to discuss the use of herbal supplements.

The FDA and herbal supplements:

Herbal supplements are considered foods, not drugs, by the FDA and, therefore, are not subject to the same testing, manufacturing, and labeling standards and regulations as drugs.

Until 1994, the FDA had disallowed health claims of any kind on herbal supplements. The passage of the federal Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act (DSHEA) in late 1994 started to reverse this trend.

As recently as January 2000, the FDA updated the laws governing the labeling of herbal supplements, so consumers now can see labels that explain how herbs can influence different actions in the body. However, herbal supplement labels still cannot say anything about treating specific medical conditions, because herbal supplements are not subject to clinical trials or to the same manufacturing standards as prescription or traditional over-the-counter drugs.

For example, St. John's wort is a popular herbal supplement thought to be useful for treating depression in some cases. A product label on St. John's wort might say, "enhances mood," but it cannot, according to FDA regulations, lay claim to treating a specific condition, because the product has not been subject to the extensive clinical testing of FDA-approved medications.

Precautions when choosing herbal supplements:

Do not self-diagnose. Consult your physician before taking herbal supplements.

Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about the herbs you are taking by consulting your physician and contacting herbal supplement manufacturers for information.

If you use herbal supplements, follow label instructions carefully and use the prescribed dosage only. Never exceed the recommended dosage, and seek out information about contraindications.

Watch for side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, or upset stomach. If such symptoms occur, reduce the dosage or stop taking the herbal supplement.

Be alert for allergic reactions. A severe allergic reaction can cause difficulty breathing. If such a problem occurs, call 911 or the emergency number in your area for help.

Research the company whose herbs you are taking. All herbal supplements are not created equal, and it is best to choose a reputable manufacturer's brand. Ask yourself:

Is the manufacturer involved in researching its own herbal products or simply relying on the research efforts of others?

Does the product make outlandish or hard-to-prove claims?

Does the product label give information about the standardized formula, side effects, ingredients, directions, and precautions?

Is label information clear and easy to read?

Is there a toll-free telephone number, an address, or a web address listed so consumers can find out more information about the product?

What are some of the most common herbal supplements?

The following list of common herbal supplements is for informational purposes only. Consult your physician to discuss specific medical conditions or symptoms that you might be experiencing. Do not self-diagnose, and consult your physician before taking any herbal supplements.

Black cohosh

This shrub-like plant of eastern North America derives its name from the Native American word for "rough" (referring to its root structure). It is generally used for alleviating menopausal conditions, painful menstruation, uterine spasms, and vaginitis.

Echinacea

Often used to strengthen the body's immune system, echinacea is also considered a prevention against colds and flu. This US native plant is also called the purple coneflower.

Evening primrose

Oil from this night-blooming, bright yellow flowering plant may be helpful in reducing symptoms of arthritis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and cardiovascular disease, as well as hyperactivity in children.

Feverfew

The pain-relieving properties of feverfew have been used for migraine headaches, as well as for menstrual cramps.

Garlic

Garlic is generally used for cardiovascular conditions, including high cholesterol and triglyceride levels associated with the risk of atherosclerosis, a disorder of the arteries caused by cholesterol and plaque deposits in the artery walls. It is also helpful in preventing colds, flu, and other infectious diseases.

Gingko biloba

This herb is used for many conditions associated with aging, including poor circulation and memory loss.

Ginseng

Used as a general tonic to increase overall body tone, ginseng is considered helpful in elevating energy levels and resistance to stress.

Goldenseal

This herb, native to America, is popular for its healing properties and antiseptic, or germ-stopping, qualities. Often used for colds and flu, it is also popular for soothing the nose lining when it is inflamed or sore.

Green tea

This herb is used to combat fatigue, prevent arteriosclerosis and certain cancers, lower cholesterol, reduce tooth decay, and aid in weight loss.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn is popularly used for several heart-related conditions and is supportive in the treatment of angina, atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure.

Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto may be helpful in the treatment of an enlarged prostate, a common condition in men over age 50.

St. John's wort

Wild-growing with yellow flowers, this herb has been used for centuries in the treatment of mental disorders. Today, it is popular for mild to moderate depression.

It is important to remember that herbal supplements are not subject to regulation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and, therefore, have not been tested in an FDA-approved clinical trial to prove their effectiveness in the treatment or management of medical conditions. Consult your physician about symptoms you are experiencing and discuss herbal supplements before beginning use.